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(No ModeL) J. K. MILNDR & H. H. GERH ARDT. TRUNK.

Patented July 8, 1384.,

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH K. MILNORAND HENRY H. GERHARDT, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

TRUNK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 301,623, dated July 8, 1884;

Application filed March .26, 1884.

1'0 all whom it may concern.- I

Be it known that we, J osnrn K. MILNOR and HENRY H. GERHARDT, citizens of the United States, residingat Baltimore, State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Trunks, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to certain improvements in traveling-trunks, one of the objects may be opened while the trunk sets with its back near to or close against the wall.

The invention contemplates the achievement of several other objects, which will duly appear in the following specification.

The construction of the improved trunk, whereby the desired result is accomplished, will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate what is deemed the best means of carrying the in vention into effect.

Figure 1 is a front view of the trunk. Fi 2 is avertical cross-section of the trunk-bod viewed endwise, and showing one-half of the top raised. Fig. 3 is a front view of the trunk, showing the. two end parts of the top raised and the hinged tray turned up between them. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the two-part hinged tray. Fig. 5 is a top view of the trunk, looking down on the tray, as seen when the two end parts of the top are raised.

The letter A designates the trunk box or body, of ordinary construction. The top is made in two separate parts, B B, each of which 5 has hinges c at the remote endsthat is, one part of the top at each end is hinged to the trunk-body at each end, and the two parts of the top separate at the center crosswise of the length of the trunk-body. By constructing the top and hinging it in this particular manner it is permissible for the trunk to set with its back near to or against the wall of the room; and when so placed the top may be raised without coming in contact with the wall, and without first moving the trunk away from the wall, as is necessary in ordinary trunks. Each part of the top, when raised, is sustained in a vertical position by a jointed metal brace, d, at the back. This brace is constructed to be stifi against lateral pressure; and in this upright position the broad center sides, e, of

of which is to provide a top for trunks which (No model.)

the top are horizontal or level, and serve as a support on which to set articles. The center sides, e, come close together when the top is down. Each part of the top is secured at the back by a loop, f, on the body, which takes over a, lug, f on the top, and is secured at the front by a lock, g, and hasp g. The tray H sets down in the box or body, as usual, resting on a cleat, i, at each end. The tray is hinged at its back part, so as to turn up between the two open parts B B of the top, which latter, being out of the way, permits the tray to lie back in an inclined position. (Shown in Fig. 3, and indicated by broken lines in Fig. 2.) Vhen in this position, the tray is supported by resting on the top-braces d. This arrangement of hinging the tray so that it may turn up enables access to be had to the bottom of the trunk without lifting the trayout. We prefer to form the tray in two parts-a broad front part, H, to turn up, as just described, and a narrow rear part, H, to which latter the front part is connected by hinges k. The front part of the tray may have at one end a deep space, 1, to receive a bonnet-box, (not shown,) and at the other end a hinged cover, 2, to confine the contents when the tray is turned up. The hinges it connect the two parts of the tray at their upper edges, (see Figs. 2 and 4,) and this renders necessary that some means be provided to prevent the narrow rear part, H, from upsetting or turning over toward the front when the broad part H of the tray is turned up and back in an inclined position. To therefore affix a thin strip of wood or metal, a, to the bottom of the narrowrear part. This strip projects forward toward the front of the trunk and rests upon the cleat 1', which supports the tray. It will be seen this strip will prevent the narrow rear part of the tray from upsetting. Another means to effect this same end, and one which we prefer, consists of a short stop-plate, p,'projecting from each end of the narrow rear part. tothe end in any suitable manner, and is slightly above the upper surface of the tray.

It projects across and rests upon the top edge, q, of the end of the trunk, as seen in Fig. 5. This stop-plate will prevent the narrow part of the tray from upsetting. hen the broad part of This stop-plate is secured I the tray is turned up and has the inclined position referred to, it tends to induce the narrow part to slide forward on the cleats i. To obviate this we provide a pin or nail, r, in the top edge of each end, and place them close to the stop-plates p, which are thereby prevented from sliding forward. Either or both strip a and stop-p1ate 19 may be used. a

B B, each hinged to an end of the trunk-body,

and sustained in a vertical position by a brace, and having a broad center side, 6, which takes a horizontal position when the parts are vertical, whereby the said center. sides serve as supports onwhich to set articles, as set forth.

2. The combination of a top made in two parts, each hinged to an opposite end of the trunk-body, a brace, d, to sustain each part of the top, and connected with the back of 0 the trunk-body, and a tray in the body of the trunk hinged to turn up and back, and adapted, when turned up, to rest against the said braces, as set forth.

3. A removable trunk-tray made in two separate parts, and having hinges k, to connect the parts, in combination with stops, sub stantially as described, attached to the rear part, to prevent it from upsetting when the front part is turned up and back, as set forth. 0

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH K. MILNOR. HENRY H. G-ERHARDT.

l/Vi tn esses:

JNo. T. MAnnoX, Jno. E. MORRIS. 

